DOCSLIB.ORG

Cover Book Samatha Vipassana .Indd -.: Dhamma Center

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Cover Book Samatha Vipassana .Indd -.: Dhamma Center SAMATHA-VIPASSANA MEDITATION BASED ON THE FIVE MEDITATION TECHNIQUES TECHNIQUES THEFIVEMEDITATION ON BASED MEDITATION SAMATHA-VIPASSANA Maintaining self or mind is supreme in this world. If one governs the mind one will attain Dhamma [natural phenomena and the noble truths]. To see one’s own mind is to see Dhamma. To know one’s mind is to know all Dhamma. To overcome the mind is to achieve Nibbana. The mind is a noble treasure. One should not overlook it. Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta-thera The Triple Gem Mindfulness of A STUDY GUIDE FOR FOR A STUDYGUIDE Meditation Breathing Dhammakaya Rising-Falling Mind-Body Meditation Samatha (concentration) removes the fi ve mental Hindrances and prepares the mind for wisdom A STUDY GUIDE FOR (paññā), insight wisdom (vipassanā-paññā) and supra-mundane wisdom (lokuttara-paññā). When SAMATHA-VIPASSANA MEDITATION wrong view, defi lements, craving and attachment – the causes of suffering – are eliminated by BASED ON THE FIVE MEDITATION samatha and vipassanā, the suffering subsides TECHNIQUES and eventually extinguishes automatically. Phra Mongkol-Thepmuni (Sodh Candasaro) The National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institutes of Thailand www.dhammacenter.org NAMO TASSA BAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASSA HOMAGE TO THE LORD, THE EMANCIPATED, THE ALLENLIGHTENED BUDDHA I A STUDY GUIDE FOR SAMATHAVIPASSANĀ MEDITATION BASED ON THE FIVE MEDITATION TECHNIQUES Published by The National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institute of Thailand, Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dhammakaram www.dhammacenter.org | [email protected] ISBN : 978-974-7533-44-6 First Edition: March 6th 2012 (4,000 copies) Copyright c 2012 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of the publisher. Petkaserm Printing Group Co., Ltd. Nakorn Pathom, Thailand Tel: +66 034-259-758, Fax: +66 034-253-465 www.pkprinting.com II HIS HOLINESS SOMDEJ PHRA NYANASANGVARA Sangharaja Sakalamahasanghaparinayaka The Supreme Patriarch III HIS HOLINESS SOMDEJ PHRA BUDDHAJARN President of Sangha Body Conference, Acting Sangharaja Committee, Chief of East Sangha Region, Abbot, Wat Saket Rajamahavihara, Bangkok, Thailand IV HIS HOLINESS SOMDEJ PHRA MAHARAJAMANGKALAJARN Acting Sangharaja Committee Member of Sangha Body, Chief of North Sangha Region, Abbot, Wat Paknam Basijareaon, Bangkok, Thailand V HIS HOLINESS SOMDEJ PHRA BUDDHACHINNAWONG Committee Member of Sangha Body, Chief of Central Sangha Region, Abbot, Wat Pichaiyat, Bangkok, Thailand VI FOREWORD Phra Thepyanmongkol, the President of the National Coordi- nation Center of Provincial Meditation Institute of Thailand, and its committee members have made a resolution to publish, A Study Guide for Samatha-Vipassanā Meditation based on the Five Meditation Techniques, as a book. Those fi ve techniques are (i) the Triple Gem Meditation (Buddho); (ii) Mindfulness of Breathing (ānāpānasati); (iii) Rising-Falling (infl ating-contracting); (iv) Mind (nāma) and Body (rūpa); and (v) Dhammakaya Meditation (sammā arahang). The pur- pose for this publication is a study guide for right practice of the Lord Buddha, based upon these fi ve meditation techniques. A meditator in- dependently practices any one of these, based upon one’s own tempera- ment. The book has been completed and published as a book for Dhamma dissemination and the great benefi ts to our beloved Buddhists who are seeking for the right practice. The information of this publication was collected from fi ve dif- ferent mediation centers before being translated into English. I agree that this book will be of great benefi t for those who study and practice samatha-vipassanā meditation, based on their own temperaments. More- over, the book, A Study Guide for Right Practice of the Three Trainings based on Visuddhimagga, which has been published before, is highly recommended for meditators to study, along with this book, for leading straightly (ujupaipanno) and rightly (ñāyapaipanno) to the Right Prac- tice of Lord Buddha and to ultimate achievement or Nibbāna. I would like to congratulate everyone for this success, especially, Phra Thepyarnmongkol, the President of the National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institutes of Thailand, who encouraged supporting the publication. VII Finally, with the Power of the Triple Gem, I would like to wish everyone to prosper in the Teaching of Lord Buddha with the Right Practice for escape from the triple round (rounds of defi lements, kamma or karma and results) and attainment of Paths (magga), Fruits (phala) and Nibbāna. And, I wish all may have a long life, good looks, Happi- ness, Health, Wisdom and good fortune. May whatever you so wish for be yours. Somdej Phra Maharajamangkalajarn Acting Sangharaja Committee Member of the Sangha Body, Chief of the North Sangha Region, Chief of Pali Studies, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institutes of Thailand, Abbot of Wat Paknam Basicareon, Bangkok VIII ADVISORY & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE BOOK CHAIRMAN OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE Somdej Phra Maharajamonggalajarn, Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, Bangkok. ADVISORY COMMITTEE Phra Brahmavachirayan, Wat Yannawa, Bangkok. Phra Visuddhiwongsajarn, Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, Bangkok. Phra Dhammakittiwong, Wat Rajorasaram, Bangkok. Phra Dhammapariyatvede, Wat Phra Pathom Jedi, Nakorn Pathom. Phra Dhammakosajarn, Wat Prayun Wongsawat, Bangkok. Phra Rajbrahmathera, Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, Bangkok. CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Phra Thepyanmongkol, Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dhammakayaram, Rajchaburi. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Phra Mongkolwattanakhun, Wat Pa Salawan, Nakornrajsima. Phra Sriyansobhon , Wat Rama IX Karnchanapisek, Bangkok. Phra Maha Pamoth Pamodito, Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dhammakayaram, Rajchaburi. Phra Maha Sagda Sumano, Wat Pa Visuddhikhun, Petchaburi. IX Translated from Thai Version of A STUDY GUIDE FOR SAMATHAVIPASSANĀ MEDITATION BASED ON THE FIVE MEDITATION TECHNIQUES ISBN: 978-974-401-963-9 Published by The National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institute of Thailand X EDITORS AND TRANSLATORS Phra Maha Wannapong Wannawangso, Pali Grade 9, (M.Sc. Eng.), Oregon State University, OR, USA), Phra Khru Baitika Dr. Barton Yanathiro (Ph.D. in Social Psychology, Cornell University, NY, USA.) Phra Maha Natpakanan Gunanggaro (MBA, Eastern Washington University, WA, USA), Mr. David Dale Holmes (Ph.D [ABD], Ludgwig Maximilians University, Germany) Ms. Eunice E. Cerezo (BA, Chico State University, CA, USA) Mr. Sakrapan Eamegdool (BSBA Business Management, Boston University, MA, USA). Mr. Watcharapol Daengsubha (BA in Management, Mahidol University International College, Nakhon Prathom, Thailand), Ms. Jessica Dawn Ogden (BA in Management, Lakeland College, A.B., Canada). COVER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNS Mr. Phakakorn Muangnil XI VENERABLE PHRA THEPYANMONGKOL President, the National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institutes of Thailand, Abbot, Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dhammakayaram XII ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institutes of Thailand was established with the commitment of Di- rectors from 338 Meditation Centers (out of over 400) invited by the National Buddhism Organization to a conference at Wat Yannawa, Bangkok, April 23-25, B.E. 2551 (2008). There were fi ve objectives. Three were established at the conference and the last two were added later. 1. To support the Sangha Body’s Provincial Meditation Cen- ters to administer Buddhist Education effectively, 2. To cooperate with Provincial Meditation Centers to teach meditation at the same high standard for all people at all levels, 3. To assist Provincial Meditation Centers with academic scholarship. 4. To cooperate with the Chiefs of the Sangha Regions and Directors of the Provincial Meditation Centers to raise academic train- ing techniques to the same high standard. 5. To support the Sangha in stabilizing, protecting and develop- ing Buddhism under the rules of the Discipline, the Law and the Sangha Rules. The committee members agreed to publish A Study Guide for Samatha-Vipassanā Meditation based on the Five Meditation Tech- niques, as a book. Those fi ve techniques are the Triple Gem Medita- tion (buddho), Mindfulness of Breathing (ānāpānasati), Rising-Falling (infl ating-contracting), Mind (nāma) and Body (rūpa), and Dhamma- kaya Meditation (sammā arahang). The purposes for this publication were for disseminating the Right Dhamma Practice to the directors and meditation masters of Meditation Centers across Thailand and Buddhists worldwide who study and practice the Right Practice of Lord Buddha, and, most importantly, for all meditators independently practicing any one of these based on one’s own temperament. XIII The book has been translated by Phra Maha Natpakanan Gunanggaro, and edited by Phra Maha Wannapong Wannavanso, David Dale Holmes, Eunice E. Cerezo, Mr. Sakrapan Eamegdool, Mr. Watcharapol Daengsubha, and Ms. Jessica Dawn Ogden. Please address any questions or comments to www.dhammacenter.org. I would like to thank everyone for their strenuous efforts and to congratulate them on this successful contribution to the promulga- tion of the Dhamma. May these meritorious actions lead all to have prosperity of life and to achieve the Paths, Fruits and Nibbana. May Lord Buddha bless you all, as well as your meritorious work. Phra Thepyanmongkol President of the National Coordination Center of Provincial Meditation Institutes of Thailand, Director of the Meditation Center of Rajburi Province, and
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Study of the Saṃskāra Section of Vasubandhu's Pañcaskandhaka with Reference to Its Commentary by Sthiramati
    A Study of the Saṃskāra Section of Vasubandhu's Pañcaskandhaka with Reference to Its Commentary by Sthiramati Jowita KRAMER 1. Introduction In his treatise "On the Five Constituents of the Person" (Pañcaskandhaka) Vasubandhu succeeded in presenting a brief but very comprehensive and clear outline of the concept of the five skandhas as understood from the viewpoint of the Yogācāra tradition. When investigating the doctrinal development of the five skandha theory and of other related concepts taught in the Pañcaskandhaka, works like the Yogācārabhūmi, the Abhidharmasamuccaya, and the Abhidharmakośa- bhāṣya are of great importance. The relevance of the first two texts results from their close association with the Pañcaskandhaka in terms of tradition. The significance of the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya is due to the assumption of an identical author of this text and the Pañcaskandhaka.1 The comparison of the latter with the other texts leads to a highly inconsistent picture of the relations between the works. It is therefore difficult to determine the developmental processes of the teachings presented in the texts under consideration and to give a concluding answer to the question whether the same person composed the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya and the Pañcaskandhaka. What makes the identification of the interdependence between the texts even more problematic is our limited knowledge of the methods the Indian authors and commentators applied when they composed their works. It was obviously very common to make use of whole sentences or even passages from older texts without marking them as quotations. If we assume the silent copying of older material as the usual method of Indian authors, then the question arises why in some cases the wording they apply is not identical but replaced by synonyms or completely different statements.
    [Show full text]
  • An Excursus on the Subtle Body in Tantric Buddhism. Notes
    THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUDDHIST STUDIES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF A. K. Narain University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA EDITORS L. M.Joshi Ernst Steinkellner Punjabi University University of Vienna Patiala, India Wien, Austria Alexander W. Macdonald Jikido Takasaki Universite de Paris X University of Tokyo Nanterre, France Tokyo, fapan Bardwell Smith Robert Thurman Carleton College Amherst College Northfield, Minnesota, USA Amherst, Massachusetts, USA ASSISTANT EDITOR Roger Jackson FJRN->' Volume 6 1983 Number 2 CONTENTS I. ARTICLES A reconstruction of the Madhyamakdvatdra's Analysis of the Person, by Peter G. Fenner. 7 Cittaprakrti and Ayonisomanaskdra in the Ratnagolravi- bhdga: Precedent for the Hsin-Nien Distinction of The Awakening of Faith, by William Grosnick 35 An Excursus on the Subtle Body in Tantric Buddhism (Notes Contextualizing the Kalacakra)1, by Geshe Lhundup Sopa 48 Socio-Cultural Aspects of Theravada Buddhism in Ne­ pal, by Ramesh Chandra Tewari 67 The Yuktisas(ikakdrikd of Nagarjuna, by Fernando Tola and Carmen Dragonetti 94 The "Suicide" Problem in the Pali Canon, by Martin G. Wiltshire \ 24 II. BOOK REVIEWS 1. Buddhist and Western Philosophy, edited by Nathan Katz 141 2. A Meditators Diary, by Jane Hamilton-Merritt 144 3. The Roof Tile ofTempyo, by Yasushi Inoue 146 4. Les royaumes de I'Himalaya, histoire et civilisation: le La- dakh, le Bhoutan, le Sikkirn, le Nepal, under the direc­ tion of Alexander W. Macdonald 147 5. Wings of the White Crane: Poems of Tskangs dbyangs rgya mtsho (1683-1706), translated by G.W. Houston The Rain of Wisdom, translated by the Nalanda Transla­ tion Committee under the Direction of Chogyam Trungpa Songs of Spiritual Change, by the Seventh Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Kalzang Gyatso 149 III.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter-N Cetasika (Mental Factors) 2.0. Introduction
    44 Chapter-n Cetasika (Mental Factors) 2.0. Introduction In the first chapter, Citta (Consciousness) has been introduced. In this chapter, Cetasika (Mental factors) which means depending on citta will be discussed in detail with reference to the Abhidhamma pitaka by dividing topics and subtopics related to the present chapter. In the eighty-nine types of consciousness, enumerated in the first chapter, fifty-two mental factors arise in varying degree.There are seven concomitants common to every consciousness. There are six others that may or may not arise in each and every consciousness. They are termed Pakinnakas or Ethically variable factors. All these thirteen are designated Annasamanas, a rather peculiar technical term. Anna means other, samana means common. Sobhanas (Good), when compared with Asobhanas (Evil), are called Aiina (other) 'being of the opposite category'. Thus the Asobhanas are in contradistinction to Sobhanas. These thirteen become moral or immoral according to the types of consciousness in which they occur. 45 The fourteen concomitants are invariably found in every type of immoral consciousness. The nineteen are common to all type of moral consciousness. The six are moral concomitants which occur as occasion arises. Therefore these fifty-two (7+6+14+19+6=52) are found in all the types of consciousness in different proportions. In this chapter all the 52- mental factors are enumerated and classified. Every type of consciousness is microscopically analysed, and the accompanying psychic factors are given in details. The types of consciousness in which each mental factor occurs, is also described. 2.1. Definition of Cetasika Cetasika=cetas+ika When citta arises, it arises with mental factors that depend on it.
    [Show full text]
  • Mon Buddhist Architecture in Pakkret District, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand During Thonburi and Rattanakosin Periods (1767-1932)
    MON BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE IN PAKKRET DISTRICT, NONTHABURI PROVINCE, THAILAND DURING THONBURI AND RATTANAKOSIN PERIODS (1767-1932) Jirada Praebaisri* and Koompong Noobanjong Department of Industrial Education, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand *Corresponding author: [email protected] Received: October 3, 2018; Revised: February 22, 2019; Accepted: April 17, 2019 Abstract This research examines the characteristics of Mon Buddhist architecture during Thonburi and Rattanakosin periods (1767-1932) in Pakkret district. In conjunction with the oral histories acquired from the local residents, the study incorporates inquiries on historical narratives and documents, together with photographic and illustrative materials obtained from physical surveys of thirty religious structures for data collection. The textual investigations indicate that Mon people migrated to the Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya in large number during the 18th century, and established their settlements in and around Pakkret area. Located northwest of the present day Bangkok in Nonthaburi province, Pakkret developed into an important community of the Mon diasporas, possessing a well-organized local administration that contributed to its economic prosperity. Although the Mons was assimilated into the Siamese political structure, they were able to preserve most of their traditions and customs. At the same time, the productions of their cultural artifacts encompassed many Thai elements as well, as evident from Mon Buddhist temples and monasteries in Pakkret. The stylistic analyses of these structures further reveal the following findings. First, their designs were determined by four groups of patrons: Mon laypersons, elite Mons, Thai Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies Vol.19(1): 30-58, 2019 Mon Buddhist Architecture in Pakkret District Praebaisri, J.
    [Show full text]
  • UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA, IRVINE Waterways
    UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE Waterways of Bangkok: Memory and Landscape DISSERTATION submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Anthropology by Michael Hurley Dissertation Committee: Professor Tom Boellstorff, Chair Professor Leo Chavez Associate Professor Keith Murphy 2015 © 2015 Michael Hurley DEDICATION แด กรงเทพมหานคร To Bangkok ii Moment after moment, life, gloriously improbable, advances. Michel Serres iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS v CURRICULUM VITAE vi ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION vii INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 1: Origins 20 CHAPTER 2: Loss 50 CHAPTER 3: Forgetting 75 CHAPTER 4: Trajectories 102 CHAPTER 5: Belonging 134 CONCLUSION 163 BIBLIOGRAPHY 172 iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First, I would like to thank all of my informants and friends in Bangkok. When I think of Bangkok, and the people who live there, I sometimes feel an almost dizzying nostalgia. I would like to thank professor Tom Boellstorff, who has given me so much guidance and support over the years, and who continues to amaze me. I am honored to be his student. I am also grateful to the other members of my oral exam committee: Gabriele (Gaby) Schwab, Leo Chavez, Kris Peterson, and Keith Murphy. I have learned so much from all of them. I would like to give special recognition to Gaby, an incredible teacher with an unusual radiance. I am grateful to professor Robert Garfias. I was his assistant for four quarters and I really enjoyed these journeys in ethnomusicology. He inspired me, and our students, with his stories. Ather Zia has been one of my closest friends in graduate school.
    [Show full text]
  • Chanting Book
    Samatha Chanting Book Published by the Samatha Trust 1 With thanks to all those from the various traditions of Pali chanting from whom we have learned chanting in the past, or will do so in the future. Sādhu sādhu sādhu 2 Chanting Book This book is one of a series published from time to time by the Samatha Trust. The Samatha Trust was founded in 1973 and is a registered charity. The Samatha Centre Greenstreete Llangunllo Powys LD7 1SP www.samatha.org First published in 2008 Second Edition 2014 ISBN 978-0-9514223-4-2 This Book may be freely copied for non-commercial distribution. Printed by: Oxford University Computing Services - Printing Department 3 4 CONTENTS 1 BEGINNINGS THE THREE REFUGES AND FIVE PRECEPTS ....................................................................................................2 RECOLLECTION OF THE TRIPLE GEM Iti pi so ................................................................................................3 2 PŪJĀ - OFFERING VERSES Vandāmi cetiyaṃ .........................................................................................................................................................4 TRANSFERENCE OF MERIT Ettāvatā ..................................................................................................................6 3 PARITTA, AND OTHER CHANTS OF BLESSING AND PROTECTION INVITATION TO THE DEVAS Samantā cakkavāḷesu (or: Pharitvāna mettaṃ) ...................................................8 BUDDHAMAṄGALAGĀTHĀ Sambuddho ............................................................................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • Satipaṭṭhāna Meditation: a Practice Guide
    Praise for Satipaṭṭhāna Meditation: A Practice Guide This is a pearl of a book. On reading it, and comparing it to the author’s previous two studies of satipaṭṭhāna, the impression is that of having left the university lecture theatre and entered the meditation hall, where the wise and experienced teacher is offering Dhamma reflections, illuminating the practice of satipaṭṭhāna with a fertile and colourful lucidity, free of footnotes and arcane cross-references. This book is a treasure-house of practical teachings, rendered accessible with a clear and simple eloquence. The author states that his motivation has been to enrich the practice of satipaṭṭhāna rather than to compete with other approaches – he has succeeded admirably in this, I feel, and with praiseworthy skill and grace. – Ajahn Amaro This breathtaking practice guide is brief, and profound! It offers a detailed, engaging, and flexible approach to satipaṭṭhāna meditation that can be easily applied both in meditation and in day-to-day activities. The inspired practice suggestions and joyful enquiry that pervade each chapter will draw students, gradually but surely, towards deep liberating insight. Satipaṭṭhāna Meditation: A Practice Guide is destined to become an invaluable resource for meditators! – Shaila Catherine, author of Focused and Fearless: A Meditator’s Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm, and Clarity Once more Bhikkhu Anālayo has written a masterpiece that holds within it an accessible and clear guide to developing and applying the teachings held within the Satipaṭṭhāna-sutta. Within this book Anālayo explores the subtle nuances of developing mindfulness and how that dedicated cultivation leads to the awakening pointed to in the discourse.
    [Show full text]
  • Scanned Using Xerox Bookcentre 7130
    QWYERsli'l OF. HAWAII UBRARJ AN INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF TIBETAN BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PSYCHOLOGY DECEMBER 1981 By Joseph Mark Rosenthal Dissertation Committee: S. I. Shapiro, Chairman Abe Arkoff David W. Chappell Lauren E. Ekroth Shigeaki Fuj.itani Walter Nunokawa Rene Tillich We certify that we have read this dissertation and that in our opinion it is satisfactory in scope and quality as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. Chairman ~ • • t ABSTRACT Selected aspects of Tibetan Buddhist theory and practice were introduced and compared with Western formulations from such systems as Gestalt therapy, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and con­ temporary physics. Generally, the Tibetan Buddhist approach asserts that all forms of diminished functioning (samsara) result from the ego principle's interruption of innate, primordial awareness (rig-pa), which is the experiential pole of Sunyata, unconditioned reality. The ego principle has been defined as a cybernetic system which creates samsara through its struggle to sustain the reification of the self­ other context in the face of the truth of impermanence and the ego's actual nonsubstantiality. The Four Veils and the Eight Consciousnesses are models which elucidate the mechanisms of the ego principle. The Four Veils are: ma-rig-pa (the basic ground of ego); the actual ego-other dichotomy; the klesa (egocentric emotionality); and karma (egocentric behavior). The Eight Consciousnesses are: the five senses; a sixth "sense" (yid) which functions to synthesize and organize experience coherently; the seventh consciousness (nyBn-yid) which provides the cognitive framework and emotional energy for dichotomizing experience into self and other; and the eighth consciousness (alaya-vijnana), the ultimate phenomenal ground.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Awareness
    A Guide to Awareness Dhamma Talks on the Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaññhàna Sutta) by H.H. Somdet Phra ¥àõasa§vàra (Venerable Suvaóóhano Bhikkhu) Supreme Patriarch of Thailand of Wat Bovornives Vihara Bangkok, Thailand 1 Table of Contents Translators Foreword 3 Preface 4 Talk 1 5 Copyright information: This is an electronic version of Talk 2 7 the book: A Guide to Awareness. Talk 3 9 Talk 4 11 © Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Phra Sumeru Talk 5 13 Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. Talk 6 15 Talk 7 17 Talk 8 19 You may use this electronic version for personal use Talk 9 21 but all commercial rights are reserved by Mahamakut Talk 10 23 Rajavidyalaya Press. Talk 11 25 Talk 12 28 Translated by Bhikkhu Ariyesako and Bhikkhu Talk 13 31 Kantasãlo Talk 14 33 Talk 15 36 Talk 16 38 Talk 17 40 Talk 18 42 Talk 19 45 Talk 20 47 Talk 21 50 Talk 22 52 Endnotes 55 A Brief Glossary 56 2 therefore, not just lectures but a guide for those listening to actually put into practise. A translation such as this has many difficulties, not the least of Translators Foreword which being the profundity of the subject and the inadequacy of our understanding and translating abilities. We therefore hope readers will This Guide to Awareness is a translation from the series of Dhamma test and check these teachings out in their own practice and experi- talks published in the Thai language as Naew Patibat Nai Satipatthan ence. (lit: The Way of Practice in the Satipatthana). This translation is respectfully dedicated to the venerable author The venerable author, HH Somdet Phra ¥àõasa§vara, is the Su- who gave new life by ordaining us as bhikkhus and who has helped so preme Patriarch of Thailand and head of Wat Bovornives Vihara, a many of us from the west.
    [Show full text]
  • BANGKOK 101 Emporium at Vertigo Moon Bar © Lonely Planet Publications Planet Lonely © MBK Sirocco Sky Bar Chao Phraya Express Chinatown Wat Phra Kaew Wat Pho (P171)
    © Lonely Planet Publications 101 BANGKOK BANGKOK Bangkok In recent years, Bangkok has broken away from its old image as a messy third-world capital to be voted by numerous metro-watchers as a top-tier global city. The sprawl and tropical humidity are still the city’s signature ambassadors, but so are gleaming shopping centres and an infectious energy of commerce and restrained mayhem. The veneer is an ultramodern backdrop of skyscraper canyons containing an untamed universe of diversions and excesses. The city is justly famous for debauchery, boasting at least four major red-light districts, as well as a club scene that has been revived post-coup. Meanwhile the urban populous is as cosmopolitan as any Western capital – guided by fashion, music and text messaging. But beside the 21st-century façade is a traditional village as devout and sacred as any remote corner of the country. This is the seat of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy, with the attendant splendid temples. Even the modern shopping centres adhere to the old folk ways with attached spirit shrines that receive daily devotions. Bangkok will cater to every indulgence, from all-night binges to shopping sprees, but it can also transport you into the old-fashioned world of Siam. Rise with daybreak to watch the monks on their alms route, hop aboard a long-tail boat into the canals that once fused the city, or forage for your meals from the numerous and lauded food stalls. HIGHLIGHTS Joining the adoring crowds at Thailand’s most famous temple, Wat Phra Kaew (p108) Escaping the tour
    [Show full text]
  • Quantum Mind Meditation and Brain Science
    Quantum Mind Meditation and Brain Science PAUL DENNISON Published under the auspices of Rama IX Temple, Bangkok, July 2013, to mark the 2600-year anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment Quantum Mind Meditation and Brain Science Quantum Mind: Meditation and Brain Science © Paul Dennison Published 2013 under the auspices of Wat Phra Rama 9 Paendin Dhamma Foundation 999/9 Soi 19 Rama IX Road, Bang Kabi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok Thailand 10320 Tel: 0-2719-7676 Fax: 0-2719-7675 E-mail: [email protected] Printed and bound in Thailand by Sangsilp Press Ltd Part. 116/38-47 Rangnam Road, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok Thailand 10400 Tel: 0-2642-4633-4 Fax:: 0-2245-9785 E-mail: [email protected] The front cover illustration is a combined view of the Antennae Galaxies, taken in 2011 by the ALMA Radio Telescope Array and the Hubble Space Telescope. Superposed is an EEG recording of the brain wave activity of a Samatha meditator recorded in 2010. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO). Visible light image: the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. http://www.eso.org/public/images/eso1137a/ (Reproduced under the Creative Commons Attribution License) Contents Beginnings … Fast forward … Buddhist meditation comes West Samatha and Vipassanā meditation Jhāna An EEG study of Samatha meditation Quantum mind To be continued … Links and references Beginnings … Considering the precision and detail of Buddhist meditation traditions handed down, person to person, to this day, it is easy to not fully appreciate the very long time period involved, or the great achievement of Buddhist Sanghas worldwide in preserving the teachings.
    [Show full text]
  • Ajahn Chandako Samatha and Vipassana in Harmony
    BuddhaSasana Home Page English Section A Honed and Heavy Ax Samatha and Vipassanā in Harmony Ajahn Chandako Abbreviations DN - Dīgha Nikāya MN - Majjhima Nikāya SN - Samyutta Nikāya AN - Anguttara Nikāya Sn - Sutta Nipāta It - Itivuttaka -ooOoo- May all beings be free from all suffering. The Ax Imagine you need to chop down a dead tree with an ax. To be successful the ax will have to be both sharp and reasonably heavy. But where does sharpness end and weight begin? It’s clear that even with great effort neither using a razorblade nor a baseball bat is going to do the trick. In the context of Buddhist meditation practice the weight of the ax may be compared to serenity (samatha), its sharpness to insight (vipassanā). These two aspects of meditation play the crucial roles in awakening beings to the nature of reality and releasing them from suffering. By examining the most ancient texts attributed to the Buddha as well as some popular contemporary approaches, this work will attempt to shed light on the mutually supportive relationship between these two pillars of spiritual development. The word ‘vipassanā’ has come to be associated with particular meditation techniques or a style of Buddhist practice in the Theravada tradition. What the Buddha originally taught however, was ‘samatha/ vipassanā’. Samatha means the calm and tranquility that result from sustained attention on one object, process or perception. Vipassanā refers to clear seeing. When they are both present, a person’s heart and mind are in balance. Samatha is unifying, unconditionally accepting and non-discriminating. It is still, bright, radiant, internally silent and blissful.
    [Show full text]